Title

Burnin' Up

Problem Scenario

Planning a candle lit dinner? The results of this project may help someone choose the best candles for something like this. If one wishes to have a short dinner over beautiful candles, maybe a candle that burns faster would be better. For a long lasting date, some slower burning candles would be more mindful to the circumstance. If all colored candles burn at the same rate, or around the same rate, then bring any unique colored candle to your home and use them for anything.

Broad Question

Do all candles burn at the same rate?

Specific Question

Does the color of a candle affect the rate at which it burns?

Hypothesis

The colored candles and the plain
candles will burn at the same rate.

Graph of Hypothesis

Variables

Independent Variable:

Candle Color

Dependent Variable:

Burn Rate

Variables That Need To Be Controlled:

Location
Candle Holders
Amount of wind

Vocabulary List That Needs Explanation

Burn Rate-
Burn; verb, To undergo rapid combustion or consume fuel in such a wayas to give off heat, gasses, and usually, light. To be on fire
Rate; noun, A certain quantity or amount of one thing considered in relation to a unit of another thing and used as a standard or measure.
Micrometer-
The tool that was used to measure and cut wicks.

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General Plan

I plan to keep my experiment relatively simple. I will place all eight candles in separate candle holders of the same brand and size. They will be set on my kitchen counter at a controlled temperature with no incoming wind. The candles will be lit with a Camel brand match. The candles will burn for one hour, being closely watched. If any burn out, they will be immediately re-lit. After one hour, each candle will be blown out in the same order they were lit. The candles will cool to a safe handling temperature, then I will measure them in centimeters. The difference from pre burning to post burning will be found and recorded. That is the burn rate for hour one. I will repeat these steps until the burn rates for four hours are recorded.

Potential Problems And Solutions

My project is all about candles and their burn rates. It would be ideal for the candles to be lit only once, at the beginning of the experiment, and for the flame to burn consistently. This may be an unrealistic expectation, so I will keep a close eye on all the candles and re light any ones that stop burning throughout the experiment. Also, being near an open flame could definitely be dangerous. All loose hair will be tied back, and no baggy clothing will be worn during the time of the experiment. No extra flammable items will be near the candles. My experiment will be performed at home, where there are many pets and people that could potentially disturb it. The opening to my kitchen (where experiment will be performed) will have a strong gate across it, so the dogs cannot enter. There are active smoke detectors in my kitchen, which could go off during the candle lighting. The batteries will be temporarily removed from the detectors. A large wick will make a large flame. A small wick will cause a smaller flame. To control this important variable, all wicks will be cut to the same length using a micrometer.

Safety Or Environmental Concerns

Open flame can always be dangerous. To prevent any accidentally burns, my hair will be tied back, and no loose articles of clothing will be near the experiment. Adult supervision will be provided, and smoke alarms will be present and active.

Experimental Design

Experimental Unit:

One candle

Number Of Trials:

Two

Number Of Subjects In Each trial:

Four

Number of Observations:

Eight

When data will be collected

Sunday, February 10th

Where will data be collected?:

My house

Resources and Budget Table

Item	Number needed	Where I will get this	Cost
Candles	Eight (8)	Rite- Aid	$ 11.12
Disposable Camera	One (1)	Rite- Aid	$ 9.98
Poster Board	One (1)	Staples
Candle Holders	Eight (8)	Xmas Tree Shops	$13.98

Detailed Procedure

1.Mass all eight wrapped candles
2.Unwrap candles
3.Label each candle, ie Red candle #1, Maroon candle #1, etc.
4.Make a table to record each candle number and its mass
5.Mass each candle
6.Record masses
7.Make a table to record each candle number and its length in centimeters
8.Measure the length of each candle in centimeters
9.Record measurements
10.Measure each candle wick, and ensure each wick is the same length. A SPECIAL TOOL will be used to do this.
11.Place each candle in the candle holders arranged on table
12.Tie up loose hair and clothes
13.Ensure that no humans or animals can disrupt experiment
14.Light one match
15.Light candles one at a time with the same match
16.Set timer for sixty minutes
17.Set up observations table
18.Observe candles for designated time (sixty minutes)
19.When time is up, blow out each candle in the order they were lit
20.Let candles cool for five minutes
21.Delicately measure the length of each candle and record into lab notebook
22.Set candles up again, and burn them for sixty more minutes
23.Repeat steps 11- 16 until candles have been burned for four hours
24.Mass candles again, and find the difference from the start mass to the end mass
25.Find the difference between end measurements and start measurements as well as the hourly difference
26.Record all final data

Diagram

Photo List

Time Line

February 1, Time Line and Procedure Due
February 3, Set up Lab notebook and start experiment preparation
February 5/6, Perform experiment
February 8, Analyze data
February 9, Start background research and polish data
February 10, Enter finalized data into pre-made data chart
February 11- 20, Continue background research
February 21, Finish background research
February 22, Polish background research
February 26, Begin creating graphs
February 27- March 3, Continue graphs
March 4, Finish and Polish graphs
March 7, Analysis due
March 11/12, Finalize Background Research
March 13, Begin Discussion
March 14-20, Continue Discussion
March 21, Finish and Polish Discussion
March 22, Ensure all graphs are completed/ Finalize graphs
March 22-29 Poster Work
March 29, KMS science fair
March 30- April 1, Note any changes you wish to make on poster
April 2-5, Relax :)
April 6- 25, Make any changes to poster
April 26- May 6, Rehearse what to say in front of judges
May 9, Regional Science Fair

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Data Table

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Data Analysis

All Raw Data

See Data Table

Graphs

Photos

My photos were taken with a disposable camera and therefore cannot be uploaded to my Wikispace.They will be printed out and put onto my final display poster.

Results

Hour one concluded with the candles having a post burn height range of 1.2 centimeters. The tallest height was 25.6 and the smallest was 24.4. "Red #1" and "Maroon #1" had the tallest measurements and "Beige#1" and "No Color#1" had the smallest.At that point, it seemed like the darker colored candles would burn slower than the lighter colored ones. After the second hour of burning, "No Color#1" had the shortest length of 20.8 centimeters. Ironically, "No Color#2" had the longest length; 24.8 centimeters. After hour three of burning, candle "Maroon#1" had the longest length of 18.9 centimeters, and "No Color#2" had the smallest length, of 17.3 centimeters. Finally, the candles were burned for a fourth hour. After they were burned again, it was found that "Red#2" and both "No Color" candles had the smallest lengths of 14.6 centimeters. "Beige#1" had the largest length; 15.6 centimeters. After making various calculations, it can be seen that both "No Color" candles and "Red#2" had the fastest burn rates, of 3.85 centimeters per hour. "Maroon#1" had the slowest burn rate, which was 3.475 centimeters per hour.

Conclusion

Throughout this experiment, it has been concluded that yes, the color of a candle affects its burn rate. Eight candles, two of four different colors, were used to determine this. As shown in the graphs and data tables, the data was only somewhat inconsistent, and showed enough evidence to claim that the naturally colored (no color) candles burn faster than those that are colored. That being said, my hypothesis originally stated before starting the experiment, was incorrect. Although, it was not completely inaccurate, because the candles did not have drastically different burn rates. Both "No Color" candles and "Red#2" had shown the fastest overall burn rates by the end of the experiment. Their burn rates were 3.85 centimeters per hour. "Maroon#1" had the slowest overall burn rate, of 3.475 centimeters per hour.

Discussion

Looking at my graphs and data, it can be seen that there is not much pattern. The only apparent re-occurrence is that one color candle was always a bit longer than the rest. As for the variables; independent and dependent, there was a strong relationship. After the first time or two of burning the eight candles, there wasn't necessarily a relationship, but one was found after hour three. Before then, the data was somewhat inconsistent. After the third time being lit and measured, the "No Color" candles started to drop in height compared to the other, colored candles. This was what my hypothesis originally stated. After doing much research on all types of candles, their coloring, etc., it has been portrayed that the naturally colored candles have reason to burn quickly. To color candles, at least through factory line terms, is not the same as one might anticipate. The candles that are not blank, (or have color,) are not only dyed when being created, but undergo the process of being encased in a thick shell of colored wax and other ingredients before being packaged. The blank, more naturally colored candles, do not go through that process. Those candles are made from plain, basic wax, or sometimes contain minimal chemicals. Thus, having less matter than the colored candles. Anyone can plainly see that something with less matter will reduce more quickly than something with more. Throughout the experiment, the specific question was absolutely answered. Yes, the color of a candle affects its burn rate. Not only was the question clearly answered, but no problems erupted with the experiment. As one can see in the "Benefit to Community and/or Science" section, this simple project can help a complex problem; which is the economy. Even if only to a small degree, the results of this project can help the community save money. Exact calculations to how this can happen can surely be found, through extensive research. Even if not for the help of the economy, this project would have much more reliable findings through more research. To procure more candles, (more colors, and more candles of each color,) would be a very good idea. Better thinking/planning of this experiment before the start of it may have been needed, but even still, quality results were found.

Benefit to Community and/or Science

Money- everyone seems to be having at least some struggle with it right now. It has become second nature to calculate which brand will get you the most "bang for your buck." Like most items, candles can be sold in bunches, packs, even separately. Candles can also be purchased according to color. If the candles you wish to purchase are of the same brand in price, why buy the one that will burn faster? And in the long run, waste your money? The results of this project can be a help to economy.

Background Research

For more than 5,000 years, legend saying first originated from Egypt, all types of candles have been created. A candle is made of just a few substances; solid wax, usually shaped into a cylinder, and an embedded wick. The wick is rope, which is covered in wax. If the pre waxed wick is lit with a lighter or match, the wick will then burst into a single flame, providing heat, light, and sometimes scent from a candle into a room.

The candle itself is not the most important detail of the whole candle. The wick, located at the top, is the main part of the candle which is used to set fire to any candle. To light a candle, you must hold a bare flame up to the wick, which is made of braided cotton. The wick, prior to purchase, is dipped in a clear wax which initiates the fire to burn the wick. Without the wick being dipped in wax, the wick would just burn completely within seconds when it made contact with fire.

Each wick is made specially for each purpose, with a certain length and diameter. Most wicks are made with cotton or rope. Sometimes a candle will have a wooden wick, but it is very rare. Many wicks have a strong, stiff core, to help stabilize them. In older times, all wicks had a core of lead. In some countries today, they still exist, but they’ve been banned from America, due to consumer safety concern about lead poisoning. The ban became active in October, 2003. Paper and synthetic fibers are also used as candle wick cores

There are all different types of wicks. Some are braided flat, so the burned wick curls back into the ongoing flame, thus making itself self consuming. Wicks with large diameters typically cause a bigger flame, a larger pool of melted wax, and the candle will burn longer with a bulkier wick. This is why, for my project, the wicks were cut exactly the same.
Anyone can make candles, and they can be made right at home. A candle manufacturer is often called a chandler. As shown in the previous paragraph, the ingredients used to make candles are not hard to procure, and the process of creating them can be easily perfected.

After melting wax in a double boiler pot, the melted wax is poured into a metal cylinder for shape. Place a wick that hangs over the side of the pot. Then, add coloring to the wax to get the desired color. Lastly, cut the wick to an appropriate length. Voila!

Obviously, some candles are artificially colored and some are not. To color them, an oil- based coloring must be used. Food coloring would not serve this purpose because food coloring is water based and would not mix with melted wax, the same way water and cooking oil do not mix. This is how a homemade candle would be colored. In a factory, a candle may be colored differently. Commercial candles can be made from different types of waxes, too, including all natural beeswax.

There are many ways to display and hold candles once they are made and dried. Candle holders range from small and simple tea light cases, to classy dinner candle stands, even to large chandeliers and menorahs. Tea lights are very small and wide candles, usually sold in bulk. Dinner candles, like the ones used for the experiment, are long and thin, normally sold in packages of six or so.


On biblical basis, a candle can be identified as the symbol of Christ. The candle is perishing while it is giving light as the Lord once perished to save the people for their sins. Candles are rumored to become more popular during the Roman era. Candles used these days come from the time of Christian persecution. Pope Honorius III installed the law of burning at least two candles on an altar. Candles burning on altars can represent various religious motives, such as; six candles for the continuity of prayer, three ones for trinity and seven ones for sacraments. Beside Christianity, in several other religions candles have an outstanding role like in Judaism or in Buddhism. In Buddhism practices, candles are a part of conventional custom observances. Saint August said that the candle is the saved man himself. It is essential in the decoration of an Advent wreath. There are only four candles on it; in the four-week long Advent of Christ’s coming they are lit one by one, week by week.

References

"Candles in Religion." Candles in Religion. N.p., Dec. 2006. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <http://www.candlescentsation.com/candles-in-religion.html>.

"History/Origin of the Candle." History/Origin of the Candle. N.p., 2004. Web. 16 Feb. 2013. <http://www.devlyncandles.com/page/4428>.

he History of Candle Making." The History of Candles and Candlemaking from Candlewick. The Candlewick Company, 1999. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <http://www.candlewic.com/candlemaking-history.asp>.

"How Products Are Made." How A Candle Is Made. Advameg Inc., 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Candle.html>.

"Candle." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candle>.


"Candle Wick." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Feb. 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candle_wick>.

Abstract

After one hour of continuous burning, each candle had lowered about 5 centimeters, bringing them from 30 centimeters to about 25 centimeters. Not each candle had the same measurement after one hour, in fact, almost all of them were different. Both "Maroon #1" and "Red #1" were 25.6 centimeters, the longest, and "Beige #1 and "No Color #1" were the shortest, at24.4 centimeters. After being measured, each candle was lit again and burned for another hour. The next measurement was semi- expected, but also brought a surprise. Six of the eight candles ranged from a post two hour burn measurement of 21.0 to 21.9 centimeters. That range was anticipated, but what was unexpected was that "No Color #2" was the longest of all the candles; 24.8 centimeters. My hypothesis was that both "No Color' candles would be dramatically shorter than the rest. That is even more shocking, because "No Color #1" measured at 20.8 centimeters. After hour number three of burning, all eight candles were measured again. Here is where my hypothesis first starts to be proven correct. Every candle excluding both "No Color" candles, averaged a length of 18.25 centimeters. "No Color #1" was 17.6 centimeters. "No Color #2" was 17.3. Therefore, the "No Color" candles burned faster during hour three. Lastly, hour four. Both maroon candles, and "Beige #1," after the fourth hour of burning, measured between 15.3 and 15.6 centimeters. They concluded as the slower burning candles of the bunch, "Beige #1" being the very slowest. "Red #1" and both "No Color" candles ended with the smallest lengths of 14.6.